This Week in Homelessness with Daniel McDonald Wed, 13 May 2026 23:10:49 -0400 https://homelesspolice.com en-us © 2026 This Week in Homelessness with Daniel McDonald yes 27d65aaa-00ce-536b-8b72-500cc26b7951 Daniel McDonald episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Homeless, Homelessness, Police, Police Homeless Outreach, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Police Reform Daniel McDonald https://storage.buzzsprout.com/xq1xxt5wi4ojoeabytnbo04f29rx?.jpg This Week in Homelessness with Daniel McDonald https://homelesspolice.com Former Police Homeless Liaison Officer Discusses Florida’s Controversial Encampment Law Former Police Homeless Liaison Officer Discusses Florida’s Controversial Encampment Law Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis put his signature on HB 1365, a controversial new law that prohibits municipalities from allowing homeless individuals to camp or sleep on public property.

Enforcement of the law is unclear, and lawyer Aaron Swift argued that anyone who sues the municipality for not enforcing the bill and wins gets their attorney fees paid by the municipality.

“Private attorneys now are going to basically be stepping in the shoes of the government and suing to enforce the government regulation,” Swift, Vice Chair of the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Daniel McDonald, a former TPD officer who has worked on homeless issues for 23 years, joined “The Skinny” on WMNF to discuss his take on the legislation.

Margi Dawson, Director of Development at the Turning Points nonprofit which provides services to individuals and families at-risk of homelessness also joined the program.

https://www.wmnf.org/former-police-homeless-liaison-officer-discusses-floridas-controversial-encampment-law/

Source: WMNF-FM 88.5

]]> Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis put his signature on HB 1365, a controversial new law that prohibits municipalities from allowing homeless individuals to camp or sleep on public property.

Enforcement of the law is unclear, and lawyer Aaron Swift argued that anyone who sues the municipality for not enforcing the bill and wins gets their attorney fees paid by the municipality.

“Private attorneys now are going to basically be stepping in the shoes of the government and suing to enforce the government regulation,” Swift, Vice Chair of the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Daniel McDonald, a former TPD officer who has worked on homeless issues for 23 years, joined “The Skinny” on WMNF to discuss his take on the legislation.

Margi Dawson, Director of Development at the Turning Points nonprofit which provides services to individuals and families at-risk of homelessness also joined the program.

https://www.wmnf.org/former-police-homeless-liaison-officer-discusses-floridas-controversial-encampment-law/

Source: WMNF-FM 88.5

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-14835543 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400 3298 2 2 full false The Sheriff's Guide to Navigating the Politics of Homelessness, Addictions & Mental Illness The Sheriff's Guide to Navigating the Politics of Homelessness, Addictions & Mental Illness This is a recording of my presentation to the 2024 National Sheriffs' Association Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

I cover issues such as:

  • How did homelessness, addictions and mental illness become a law enforcement issue?
  • How to navigate the politics of these issues (and not lose the next election)
  • Redefining the sheriff’s role in the 21st Century: You can no longer “stay in your lane

Legal issues including the upcoming SCOTUS case Johnson v. Grants Pass Oregon.

]]> This is a recording of my presentation to the 2024 National Sheriffs' Association Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

I cover issues such as:

  • How did homelessness, addictions and mental illness become a law enforcement issue?
  • How to navigate the politics of these issues (and not lose the next election)
  • Redefining the sheriff’s role in the 21st Century: You can no longer “stay in your lane

Legal issues including the upcoming SCOTUS case Johnson v. Grants Pass Oregon.

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-14808409 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3074 2 1 full false Impactful Outreach: Why I Spend Years Helping Those in Need Impactful Outreach: Why I Spend Years Helping Those in Need There are different schools of thought about homeless outreach: You agency may do contact-driven outreach. You have a glancing impact upon lots of people. Activity is more important than performance or end-results.

I prefer impactful outreach. I work with less clients, but spend more time, often years, to resolve their needs. Patience and persistence are my key tools.

In this episode, I discuss some of my success stories and why you should choose impactful outreach.

Links I mentioned:

Impactful Outreach by Orgcode, Inc.

My contact information:

Phone: (800) 643-1997
E-Mail: info@homelesspolice.com
Web: homelesspolice.com






]]> There are different schools of thought about homeless outreach: You agency may do contact-driven outreach. You have a glancing impact upon lots of people. Activity is more important than performance or end-results.

I prefer impactful outreach. I work with less clients, but spend more time, often years, to resolve their needs. Patience and persistence are my key tools.

In this episode, I discuss some of my success stories and why you should choose impactful outreach.

Links I mentioned:

Impactful Outreach by Orgcode, Inc.

My contact information:

Phone: (800) 643-1997
E-Mail: info@homelesspolice.com
Web: homelesspolice.com






]]> Buzzsprout-5724457 Sat, 03 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0400 619 1 10 full false What is The Police Role in Social Issues? What is The Police Role in Social Issues? Should the police be involved in social issues such as homelessness, mental illness and addictions. In a perfect world, no. But we are not in a perfect world. In this episode, I discuss my role in police homeless outreach and why it works.

How to Contact Me With Any Questions or Comments:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com

]]> Should the police be involved in social issues such as homelessness, mental illness and addictions. In a perfect world, no. But we are not in a perfect world. In this episode, I discuss my role in police homeless outreach and why it works.

How to Contact Me With Any Questions or Comments:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-4109837 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 19:00:00 -0400 369 Police, Defunding the police, Homelessness, Mental Illness, Addictions, COVID-19, Coronavirus 9 full false Why Defunding the Police is a Bad Idea, and What Would Happen Why Defunding the Police is a Bad Idea, and What Would Happen Defunding the police is an idea that has gained momentum. In this episode I discuss why this is a bad idea and what society would be like without the police.

Links I mentioned:

There's a growing call to defund the police. Here's what it means

The Social Contract

National Policing Recommendations

Visit my website at: https://www.homelesspolice.com or @HomelessPolice


]]> Defunding the police is an idea that has gained momentum. In this episode I discuss why this is a bad idea and what society would be like without the police.

Links I mentioned:

There's a growing call to defund the police. Here's what it means

The Social Contract

National Policing Recommendations

Visit my website at: https://www.homelesspolice.com or @HomelessPolice


]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-4078688 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0400 882 Police, Defund the Police, George Floyd, Police Reform, Black Lives Matter, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, LEAP 8 full false Homelessness in the UK with Army Varle Homelessness in the UK with Army Varle In this episode:

Amy Varle checks in from Manchester, England to discuss social housing, homeless pet policies, COVID-19 and her own journey from homelessness to Number 10 Downing Street.

  • Amy Varle from Manchester, England is one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs and homelessness experts in the UK
  • She is a leading voice and advocate for Housing First
  • In 2016, Amy was awarded a travelling fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
  • She published “Social Property Investment : Pioneering strategies for 21st century homelessness prevention and response”
  • On 25 January 2018, she presented her report to Prime Minister Theresa May
  • Amy herself was made homeless at the age of 16 as a result of family issues
    • She lived, for ten months, in a hostel for young people, before being found a council flat
    • Her experience led Varle to work in a housing and homelessness role in local government
  • You can contact Amy at https://www.amyvarle.co.uk
  • Amy's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Varle
  • Visit my website at: https://www.homelesspolice.com or @HomelessPolice
]]> In this episode:

Amy Varle checks in from Manchester, England to discuss social housing, homeless pet policies, COVID-19 and her own journey from homelessness to Number 10 Downing Street.

  • Amy Varle from Manchester, England is one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs and homelessness experts in the UK
  • She is a leading voice and advocate for Housing First
  • In 2016, Amy was awarded a travelling fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
  • She published “Social Property Investment : Pioneering strategies for 21st century homelessness prevention and response”
  • On 25 January 2018, she presented her report to Prime Minister Theresa May
  • Amy herself was made homeless at the age of 16 as a result of family issues
    • She lived, for ten months, in a hostel for young people, before being found a council flat
    • Her experience led Varle to work in a housing and homelessness role in local government
  • You can contact Amy at https://www.amyvarle.co.uk
  • Amy's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Varle
  • Visit my website at: https://www.homelesspolice.com or @HomelessPolice
]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-3802736 Sun, 17 May 2020 22:00:00 -0400 3873 7 full false Tampa Police on the Streets to Help Homeless Deal with Coronavirus Tampa Police on the Streets to Help Homeless Deal with Coronavirus NewsRadio WFLA's Felix Vega interviews Tampa Police Department Homeless Outreach Officer Dan McDonald on how they are partnering with Catholic Charities to open 100-person tent camp to provide temporary shelter, while working to find homeless residents permanent housing and services while also coping with their day-to-day fears about the Coronavirus in another vulnerable population.

Listen to the original interview on IHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-on-the-docket-51612296/episode/tampa-police-on-the-streets-to-61270650/

]]> NewsRadio WFLA's Felix Vega interviews Tampa Police Department Homeless Outreach Officer Dan McDonald on how they are partnering with Catholic Charities to open 100-person tent camp to provide temporary shelter, while working to find homeless residents permanent housing and services while also coping with their day-to-day fears about the Coronavirus in another vulnerable population.

Listen to the original interview on IHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-on-the-docket-51612296/episode/tampa-police-on-the-streets-to-61270650/

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-3510859 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 13:00:00 -0400 499 6 full false How Music Gives a Voice to the Homeless in San Diego, California How Music Gives a Voice to the Homeless in San Diego, California In This Weeks Segment:

Even in challenging times there is hope. The Voices of Our City Choir have raised homeless San Diegans’ voices through their performances and advocacy.

What started as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a choir with about 160 regular participants who have performed at a slew of events and even collaborated with the San Diego Symphony”.

John Brady checks in from San Diego to discuss music, advocacy, life during COVID-19 as well as how has become a leading voice for the homeless in San Diego.

Links I mentioned:

• https://voiceofsandiego.org
• https://twitter.com/SDHomelessVoice
• https://www.voicesofourcity.org/

Where to Find this Podcast:

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUtGAVBCsi2CvXIpYnIl4A
• https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/826570.rss
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-homelessness-with-daniel-mcdonald/id1499584465

How to Contact Me With Any Questions or Comments:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com

]]> In This Weeks Segment:

Even in challenging times there is hope. The Voices of Our City Choir have raised homeless San Diegans’ voices through their performances and advocacy.

What started as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a choir with about 160 regular participants who have performed at a slew of events and even collaborated with the San Diego Symphony”.

John Brady checks in from San Diego to discuss music, advocacy, life during COVID-19 as well as how has become a leading voice for the homeless in San Diego.

Links I mentioned:

• https://voiceofsandiego.org
• https://twitter.com/SDHomelessVoice
• https://www.voicesofourcity.org/

Where to Find this Podcast:

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUtGAVBCsi2CvXIpYnIl4A
• https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/826570.rss
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-homelessness-with-daniel-mcdonald/id1499584465

How to Contact Me With Any Questions or Comments:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-3164590 Sun, 29 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0400 2186 5 full false Why Police Must Continue Homeless Outreach During the COVID-19 Pandemic Why Police Must Continue Homeless Outreach During the COVID-19 Pandemic Homeless service providers are scaling back operations in many communities to prevent illness amongst their staff and volunteers. Social service agencies have closed their offices or transitioned to serving their clients via telephone or by appointment only. Drop-in centers have closed. Soup kitchens have stopped serving in dining rooms, often providing to-go meals. Libraries and other public facilities formerly available to the homeless have also closed. The lack of availability of these facilities and services often leave the police to be the de-facto response to homelessness.

Links I mentioned:

PoliceOne.com: Why police must continue homeless outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic

Response, Action and Wellness During a Pandemic

COVID-19 Statement & Recommendations

]]> Homeless service providers are scaling back operations in many communities to prevent illness amongst their staff and volunteers. Social service agencies have closed their offices or transitioned to serving their clients via telephone or by appointment only. Drop-in centers have closed. Soup kitchens have stopped serving in dining rooms, often providing to-go meals. Libraries and other public facilities formerly available to the homeless have also closed. The lack of availability of these facilities and services often leave the police to be the de-facto response to homelessness.

Links I mentioned:

PoliceOne.com: Why police must continue homeless outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic

Response, Action and Wellness During a Pandemic

COVID-19 Statement & Recommendations

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-3137134 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:00:00 -0400 1360 4 full false When Business Should Be More Like Government: My Customer Service Nightmare When Business Should Be More Like Government: My Customer Service Nightmare This episode documents my 27 calls attempting to order a new Direct Express debit card for a client.

Sometimes business can learn a lesson from government, along with my thoughts how the homeless also deserve exceptional customer service.

Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns: info@homelesspolice.com or visit my website at https://homelesspolice.com

]]> This episode documents my 27 calls attempting to order a new Direct Express debit card for a client.

Sometimes business can learn a lesson from government, along with my thoughts how the homeless also deserve exceptional customer service.

Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns: info@homelesspolice.com or visit my website at https://homelesspolice.com

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-3019027 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:00:00 -0400 1180 Homeless, Homelessness, Government, Police, Public Policy 3 full false Queue Management: How to Reduce Wait Lines at Soup Kitchens and Homeless Service Agencies Queue Management: How to Reduce Wait Lines at Soup Kitchens and Homeless Service Agencies On this week's episode:

  • A recap of our Point-in-Time count (homeless census), with a shout-out to my police colleagues, and how we share encampment data with volunteer surveyors.

  • How the science of queue (line) management can reduce waiting times at soup kitchens, homeless agencies and other organizations that serve the homeless. This is the same science used by airlines and restaurants to reduce wait times, along with my low-tech (and free) ideas for implementing at your organization. 


Links I mentioned:


Do you have any questions, comments or want to use my ideas? Contact me at:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com
Or call me at (800) 643-1997

]]> On this week's episode:

  • A recap of our Point-in-Time count (homeless census), with a shout-out to my police colleagues, and how we share encampment data with volunteer surveyors.

  • How the science of queue (line) management can reduce waiting times at soup kitchens, homeless agencies and other organizations that serve the homeless. This is the same science used by airlines and restaurants to reduce wait times, along with my low-tech (and free) ideas for implementing at your organization. 


Links I mentioned:


Do you have any questions, comments or want to use my ideas? Contact me at:

info@homelesspolice.com
https://homelesspolice.com
Or call me at (800) 643-1997

]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-2855107 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0500 1585 News,Homeless,Homelessness,Police,Housing,Panhandling, Queue Management, Line Management, Homeless Outreach 2 full false The Pyramid of Social Inertia: Where is Your Homeless Policy? The Pyramid of Social Inertia: Where is Your Homeless Policy? On this week's episode:

Introduction

  • You’re listening to “This Week in Homelessness with Daniel McDonald” for Tuesday, February 18, 2020
  • This is the inaugural episode
  • We will talk about all things homeless – discussing issues such as:
    • The latest news
    • Commentary and analysis of current homeless topics

 
About Me

  • I’ve worked in the trenches of police homeless outreach for 8 years – 16,000 hours
    • I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t work
    • You cannot arrest away the problem
  • I want to offer my insight into current homeless issues and separate the information from the misinformation
  • I am not an activist – I am a problem solver
  • Thanks to over 2,000 likes, mentions, replies, etc. that were interested in the idea of a podcast about the police response to homelessness


Future shows

  • Guests on issues such as the role of the private sector
  • The criminalization of homelessness 
  • Legal decisions such as Boise vs. Martin
  • Homeless pet policies
  • Homelessness and the legal system


Upcoming Events

  • Wed. Feb. 19th @ 5 PM
  • I will meet 4th-grader Noah who gives blankets to the homeless

 
This Week's Segment

  • The pyramid of social inertia
  • The charity response to homelessness
  • A shout out to Invisible People


Listener Mail

  • Send your listener questions or suggestions for future shows
  • Info@homelesspolice.com
  • Visit my website at: https://homelesspolice.com
]]> On this week's episode:

Introduction

  • You’re listening to “This Week in Homelessness with Daniel McDonald” for Tuesday, February 18, 2020
  • This is the inaugural episode
  • We will talk about all things homeless – discussing issues such as:
    • The latest news
    • Commentary and analysis of current homeless topics

 
About Me

  • I’ve worked in the trenches of police homeless outreach for 8 years – 16,000 hours
    • I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t work
    • You cannot arrest away the problem
  • I want to offer my insight into current homeless issues and separate the information from the misinformation
  • I am not an activist – I am a problem solver
  • Thanks to over 2,000 likes, mentions, replies, etc. that were interested in the idea of a podcast about the police response to homelessness


Future shows

  • Guests on issues such as the role of the private sector
  • The criminalization of homelessness 
  • Legal decisions such as Boise vs. Martin
  • Homeless pet policies
  • Homelessness and the legal system


Upcoming Events

  • Wed. Feb. 19th @ 5 PM
  • I will meet 4th-grader Noah who gives blankets to the homeless

 
This Week's Segment

  • The pyramid of social inertia
  • The charity response to homelessness
  • A shout out to Invisible People


Listener Mail

  • Send your listener questions or suggestions for future shows
  • Info@homelesspolice.com
  • Visit my website at: https://homelesspolice.com
]]> Daniel McDonald Buzzsprout-2780824 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0500 2033 News,Homeless,Homelessness,Police,Housing,Panhandling 1 full false